Post by DomeWing333 on Dec 8, 2016 0:39:33 GMT

I love the interpretation of William/The Man In Black as a gamer who's done absolutely everything in an RPG and is now just trying to look for easter eggs and break the game. I also recently saw a reddit comment that described his fall to darkness as resulting from "losing his save data and having to start over." Brilliant.

Anyway, it's an incredibly well-made and immersive show. Extremely dense and well-paced. Not a single moment seems wasted. High recommendations.

Post by Sifr on Dec 8, 2016 6:56:07 GMT

I love the interpretation of William/The Man In Black as a gamer who's done absolutely everything in an RPG and is now just trying to look for easter eggs and break the game. I also recently saw a reddit comment that described his fall to darkness as resulting from "losing his save data and having to start over." Brilliant.

Anyway, it's an incredibly well-made and immersive show. Extremely dense and well-paced. Not a single moment seems wasted. High recommendations.

William reminds me of gamers who get upset when they see their waifu from a previous game, romance someone else.

Most Bioware fans have probably encountered a "How dare Tali cheat on me with Garrus" and "Fenris hooked up with Isabela!" comment before on the forums at some point... or may have been the ones making them.

I love the comparison to someone who's done everything in an RPG. The Man In Black is like the Ebony Warrior from Skyrim, who comes to the duel the protagonist because we are the Final Boss of his game, who he'll either beat, or happily lose to the only person left who provides any real challenge for him.

Post by OneWomanArmy on Dec 17, 2016 12:34:01 GMT

What is this Westworld everyone is talking about so much all the time? I'm getting really curious lol Gotta start looking into it.

I've just rewatched Arrested Developement, God I love that show!!

If I was meant to be controlled, I would have came with a remote.I’ll forget but not forgive.It’s not me, it’s you.I’ll not shed a single tear for any person in this whole world, but I’ll shed all my tears for all the animals in the universe, dead or alive.

Post by OneWomanArmy on Dec 17, 2016 14:42:23 GMT

What is this Westworld everyone is talking about so much all the time? I'm getting really curious lol Gotta start looking into it.

It doesn't look like anything to me.

Hmmmm I guess if you don't like it, then I won't either, cause we seem to have the same taste in tv shows from what I've noticed so far. I'll try and watch one episode or so but I won't hold my breath then.

If I was meant to be controlled, I would have came with a remote.I’ll forget but not forgive.It’s not me, it’s you.I’ll not shed a single tear for any person in this whole world, but I’ll shed all my tears for all the animals in the universe, dead or alive.

Post by Kenny Bania on Dec 17, 2016 15:14:30 GMT

Hmmmm I guess if you don't like it, then I won't either, cause we seem to have the same taste in tv shows from what I've noticed so far. I'll try and watch one episode or so but I won't hold my breath then.

Post by OneWomanArmy on Dec 17, 2016 15:26:37 GMT

Hmmmm I guess if you don't like it, then I won't either, cause we seem to have the same taste in tv shows from what I've noticed so far. I'll try and watch one episode or so but I won't hold my breath then.

It's a recurring line from the show. I absolutely loved it.

Heh... I can never know when you're joking Bania but I gotta learn it sometime But okay, you used a line from the show this time, I had no way of knowing when I haven't watched it lol.

If I was meant to be controlled, I would have came with a remote.I’ll forget but not forgive.It’s not me, it’s you.I’ll not shed a single tear for any person in this whole world, but I’ll shed all my tears for all the animals in the universe, dead or alive.

Post by dalakaar on Dec 28, 2016 1:20:05 GMT

Watching the new Sense8 episode. I love the show, extremely well executed. My girlfriend is bi and has heroine addiction in her past, so the show really resonates with her on a level I can't even comprehend. She also comes from a typical white family with a LOT of money and all the biased idiotic presumptions that comes with.

Westworld, show blew me out of the water. Exactly my niche. (sans the western part but I still love it) Most shows that run off a premise like that one falter and lose steam as it progresses. Not in this case. Foreshadowing is fantastic and I have been kept guessing the entire series. I love the mindfucks. It's where I think Joss Whedon's Dollhouse could've gone if he'd moved season 1 pacing up substantially. (Albeit the tone is completely different.)

This is intellectual in a way very few shows can express. It is not for the feint of heart and is not "pop and chips" watching. If you aren't paying attention to every little detail and dissecting it I just don't think you're giving it everything it's worth, and thus won't find its true worth.

Absolutely ditto with the spoiler, the whole gamer-esque feeling they attach to the show "I went two weeks as dark, best two weeks of my life". Loved it, those tiny pieces of writing attached so much more significance and empathy to the show for me than it otherwise would have.

***

Black Mirror. Outstanding first two seasons. The new ones Netflix commissioned though... ehhh... while still in the same vein as the first seasons, well. I looked over at my girl and said "it's like they're banging us over the head with the subtle connotations that made it terrifying in the first seasons." So far the only episode of the new seasons that's really hit me is, er, episode 5(iirc) with the soldiers.

It is intellectual more than anything else. The terror it inspires is drawn from your imagination of the future. If you're not willing to put in that imagination, again like Westworld, I don't think you'll get much out of it.

Also as an aside, I recommend a different viewing order for the series. I accidentally downloaded Season 2 first and watched it. And now I recommend you watch it that way. The first episode of season 1 is very much targeted at their mostly British audience. I've talked with a few friends and they were put off by the first episode. Not that's bad, but you need the context and stimulus (imho) of the other episodes to engage you. Basically, as pilots go, I think they blew it, then brought in their heavy weights. Also by viewing it this way you sort of save what I consider the best for last. "The Entire History of You" is my favourite episode, and what I personally consider their best work from what I've seen so far. It's actually so damn good that Robert Downey Jr bought the rights to the movie of the episode in a bidding war with Clooney.

***

BBC's Sherlock

The role that blew Benedict Cumberbatch into mainstream. Intellectual as anything Sherlock has to be, yet without compromising it's entertainment. The mysteries while interesting are not mind bending. It's never really made me ponder who is who and what is what in the show like Westworld, but I've loved the ride. When you get to the point where someone's flicking someones nose, well, there's well written villainy for you. ALso handy, the next season is due in a week.

I'd call it entertaining, not to diminish it's intelligence, but I found it a fun ride more than a mind bender.

My only grief with it is their take on Moriarty. Yes, I like(d) him,(eventually) but for me Moriarty was something for more sinister than how they make him. Their take feels like an entirely different villain wearing the name like a child wearing an adults shoes.

***

Mr Robot.

The first season is brutal, mind wretching. I loved it. There are a lot of twists and I'm happy to say I never got them going in. My girl has done three years post-secondary in the Mental Health field and caught on to things I missed from episode one. This is the type of show that, for me at least, I had to re-watch the moment I finished the last episode. It was like watching an entirely new show. I have yet to finish season 2 as I haven't been able to devote the desire/attention I know it'll deserve.

***

Humans

This is purely entertaining. Synthetic slaves that blur the line between sapience and servitude. Sort of an elongated Black Mirror episode. It's one that might have flown under your radar though.

While I enjoy it I only find it entertaining, but not much more than that. It's not very intricate, but I find that the case of most of the author(s) works. His plot is weak and he doesn't have a head for good mystery (albeit he tries).

Now what he excels at is characterization. His characters are complex human beings that are clearly made to aim for those shades of greys. There are no heroes or villains.

I haven't read these books as in general I read my fantasy and watch my sci-fi, so I turned my brain on for it but was a bit disappointed in the result. Not that it's "predictable" necessarily, but there aren't a lot of mind bending turn arounds I was hoping for. Still great characters and an entertaining way of telling it. Waaaaaaaaay above the drivel I am used to seeing from Syfy.

Of the works I've read from Abraham (I never truly get why someone has to use a pseudonym) I'd love to see the Long Price Quartet made to film. Seedless in particular could be one of the best characters in television if scripted as well as his complexity allows. I enjoyed The Dagger and Coin, Dawson Kalliam was the first "hero" noble that actually felt like a nobleman. A pretentious prick who just happened to be on the side of the angels. Like I said, I love Abraham's characterization. It's his selling point.

***

On an aside, my favourite author that's honestly reached a near prolific god-like status in my eyes is Brandon Sanderson. His Cosmere/Mistborn/Stormlight rights were optioned. I don't fall in for his YA stuff, but the Stormlight Archive are the best fantasy novels I've read since R Scott Bakker's "Prince of Nothing" series. The amount of foreshadow in them is disgusting. I'm on my fifth or sixth reread right now and still picking up bits I didn't notice.

It's not intellectual, it is damned entertaining sci-fi.

***

Con Man by Alan Tudyk

Well, the cast/ensemble basically has the entire California Whedon clan in it making fun of themselves. Ie. Geek Royalty. I haven't finished it as I just finally got around to watching it over the last couple days. It's actually, sort of sadly, not as funny as I thought it would be. Particularly given Alan Tudyk's creative license. Still worth a watch, it's geek-chic turned upside down in a mirror wearing a clown costume. The problem is I've noticed there's a sort of "popular geek" and "intellectual geek" gap that's in need of bridging. This show is aimed directly at the "popular geeks". If you haven't watched Firefly/Battlestar Galactica you probably shouldn't watch this show. Also, if you haven't watched those two shows you shouldn't be on a gaming forum in the first place, but there it is.

For me it scratched entertaining, but there are shows better at it. The comedy has really only gotten about 1 honest genuine "lol" from me maybe once an episode, if that.

***

Killjoys

Bloody entertaining sci fi. It's really a hit or miss, you'll have to try it to find out. I loved it, half of my friends didn't. It won't make you think too hard, it's pop and chips, not a steak dinner. You won't be chewing through it, but if you like it it'll be over before you realize. 2 seasons, 3rd on the way.

For some reason it and Dark Matter go hand in hand every time it's mentioned. I'll put it this way. I didn't like Dark Matter, but I watched it all anyways. I loved Killjoys. Dark Matter tries to hit 80's sci fi but in my opinion misses the target a bit. The plot is lacklustre, the acting is fucking TERRIBLE but the writing and budget are probably the reasons for that. I have two ways of watching a show. Fullscreen, or split(dual)screen.

Dark Matter got split screened after the first episode and stayed that way. It only needs about half my attention.

***Stranger Things!

If you've been under a rock I'll forgive you, otherwise...

I grew up with an 80's single mom. Winona pretty much nails it.

It's a period piece that just happens to be set in a period not so long ago. The 80's. I'd use the term fantasy more than sci fi for this one, although both are close enough. It has horror elements but it really isn't that terrifying, it apes what horrifying was at that time. And it does it damn well. The opening sequence is proof enough of that. If you remember staying up late playing P&P RPGs, how hallowed your particular set of D6's were, and can take child acting seriously, give it a go. It's nostalgia. It's not intellectual, but it's more than just entertaining. It's a ride through the past for a very specific target audience. They nailed that target audience to the wall with it. However, it lack pacing. Starts out fantastic, but by the end I was much less interested. (Which is to say I was still damned curious.)

***

Medici Masters of Florence.

Just watched this a short while ago. It's lesser as shows go. It's just not as great as the shows above. But good TV is great when you've run out of the great stuff. This fills a spot. It has a big name, Dustin Hoffman. Don't expect much from him, his name gets attached but he's not there to run the show. He's a side story in it really. Or perhaps more accurately just part of the origin story that's twining it's way through the first season. The real showrunner is the GoT veteran, the young wolf. Richard Madden. He does a good job, but I wouldn't say a great job. Again, a period piece, this set in renaissance Florence. I've found the Medici banking clan to be interesting, they set a stage that's set the world up as it currently stands. This show gives a glimpse at that, but no more. I felt like it was a quick watch, their signal mystery didn't feel particularly engaging. It's good TV, it's not great TV. If the setting engages you the plot will keep you going and the acting is good. It also features adult level programming and thankfully isn't afraid to show nudity and the occasional gore. (I truly do hate shows that throw their punches.)

Post by OneWomanArmy on Dec 29, 2016 8:36:53 GMT

Not a completely new show but if you guys haven't watched Banshee yet, I can definitely recommend it. I love that show, one of my favorites. It has everything in it, good actors, love, lots of action, great and exciting story and the soundtrack is awesome. They just finished the show this year sadly, I'm gonna miss it

If I was meant to be controlled, I would have came with a remote.I’ll forget but not forgive.It’s not me, it’s you.I’ll not shed a single tear for any person in this whole world, but I’ll shed all my tears for all the animals in the universe, dead or alive.

Post by Kenny Bania on Dec 29, 2016 8:42:35 GMT

Not a completely new show but if you guys haven't watched Banshee yet, I can definitely recommend it. I love that show, one of my favorites. It has everything in it, good actors, love, lots of action, great and exciting story and the soundtrack is awesome. They just finished the show this year sadly, I'm gonna miss it

Fucking loved it. Glad it ended when it did. I don't like it when shows get stale when they air for too long.

Post by Melra on Dec 29, 2016 14:49:54 GMT

Not sure if this was linked before.

I quite like this one, so much so that I am looking to read the books as well. I like the darker/more realistic feel of the show. I like many of the actors as well. Third season is on its way as well, so there'll be few episodes to watch.

"I'm afraid I simply do not see the justice in making people who are badly off, worse off, in the name of advancing them."

Post by Kenny Bania on Dec 29, 2016 17:42:20 GMT

I quite like this one, so much so that I am looking to read the books as well. I like the darker/more realistic feel of the show. I like many of the actors as well. Third season is on its way as well, so there'll be few episodes to watch.

Liked Bosch. I think season 2 stepped up. It was that much better than the first imo.

Post by MissOuJ on Dec 29, 2016 18:49:41 GMT

^^^ This! I'm rereading the novels to ease some of the pain of waiting, but Feb 1 2017 just can't come fast enough IMO! And the trailers and sneak peeks have looked amazing and make the waiting even more difficult...

Can we just skip January and move straight to February? Pretty please?

Post by OneWomanArmy on Dec 29, 2016 19:01:42 GMT

What is this Westworld everyone is talking about so much all the time? I'm getting really curious lol Gotta start looking into it.

I've just rewatched Arrested Developement, God I love that show!!

I love Arrested Development, but the magic was clearly gone when they tried to bring it back.

You mean in the last season? Yeah I agree, though I still think it was really funny. It ended weird though, like it was going to continue, which was actually the plan but they never had the time from what I could understand.

If I was meant to be controlled, I would have came with a remote.I’ll forget but not forgive.It’s not me, it’s you.I’ll not shed a single tear for any person in this whole world, but I’ll shed all my tears for all the animals in the universe, dead or alive.